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Augusta area to play host to all GHSA golf championships in 2012

Driving home from the 2010 state golf championship in Columbus, Ga., Burke County golf coach Wade Marchman concocted an idea.

With state tournaments spread out all over the state, why not have all 10 championships centralized? Marchman discussed his proposal with the Georgia High School Association, received approval and now has a plan in place.

For the first time, the entire 2012 GHSA Golf State Championships will be held in the same community. An estimated 880 golfers will participate in 10 championships (five boys, five girls) on May 7 at courses ranging from Evans to North Augusta to Waynesboro.

“What better place to bring an historic event,” Marchman said, “than to the golf capital of Georgia, which I consider Augusta?”

Marchman, who will serve as the overall tournament director, developed his idea by approaching 10 area courses; each one jumped on board. Then he received assistance from the Augusta Sports Council, which will help with housing and meals. Then, he lined up volunteers for each course.

“Wade’s very enthusiastic about the game,” said Gary Phillips, GHSA assistant executive director. “I knew he’d work very hard to get it done.”

In the boys championship, Class AAAAA will play at Champions Retreat Golf Club, while Class AAAA will play at Jones Creek Golf Club. Class AAA will compete at Augusta Country Club, while Class AA will play at Waynesboro Country Club and Class A at Forest Hills Golf Club.

In the girls championship, Class AAAAA will go into South Carolina and play at River Golf Club, while Class AAAA will play at Bartram Trail Golf Club. Class AAA will compete at Applewood Golf Course, while Class AA will play at Goshen Plantation Golf Club and Class A at Pointe South Golf Club.